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Meet David
My name is David – I have a rare eye condition called macular dystrophy which causes progressive vision loss. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. I experience colour blindness, some sensitivity to light, and my vision is unclear and distorted. After living with low vision since I was a child, at age 50, my vision deteriorated dramatically and I became legally blind. That’s when I reached out to Guide Dogs.
I was matched with my first Guide Dog, Corrie, in 2016. For eight years, Corrie was my trusted partner. He didn’t just help me avoid obstacles, he gave me back my independence and he did it with love, loyalty, and quiet confidence.
It’s hard for me to explain just how much I owe him, it makes me a bit emotional because there’s a there’s a lot of companionship, a lot of loyalty, and a lot of reliance on each other. A Guide Dog becomes a really big part of your life. Every day I get up and I look after my dogs, and in return for that, they help me live my life.
A second life-changing companion
In August 2024, it was time for Corrie to retire and enjoy his well-earned rest.
That’s when Guide Dog Grant came into my life. Grant is two years old and is full of enthusiasm for his new career as a Guide Dog. Transitioning from one Guide Dog to another takes weeks of specialist training, support from expert staff, and careful time for us to build trust and learn each other’s rhythms. It’s not just about walking, it’s about working as a team.
And thanks to Guide Dogs SA/NT, that transition has been smooth and full of support. Corrie is now enjoying his retirement as part of our family, still offering guidance and being a mentor for Grant.
I could name 100 things I’d find difficult or couldn’t do without Corrie and Grant, but what matters to me most is my independence and freedom; being able to meet with friends, go shopping, and just participate in society. But none of this would be possible without people like you.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30. Your generosity helps Guide Dogs SA/NT to train future Guide Dogs and provides life-changing support for people like me.
Watch David and Grant in action!
Your contribution will enable us to provide independence, freedom and connection for people like David.
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